By:  Sibley                                             S.R. No. 51

 1-1     By:  Sibley                                             S.R. No. 51

 1-2                              SENATE RESOLUTION

 1-3           WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas is proud to

 1-4     recognize Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church of Abbott, Texas,

 1-5     on the grand occasion of its 50th anniversary; and

 1-6           WHEREAS, The Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church was

 1-7     founded by Father Charles Smid and 175 families in south Hill

 1-8     County; the parish members consisted chiefly of families from

 1-9     Moravian and Czech ancestry; and

1-10           WHEREAS, The church was named by Bishop Joseph Patrick Lynch,

1-11     and construction began on July 8, 1946; the first Mass to be held

1-12     in the church was Christmas Eve of 1946, and the dedication of the

1-13     church was February 13, 1947; and

1-14           WHEREAS, Over the years, the Immaculate Heart of Mary

1-15     Catholic Church has ministered faithfully to the spiritual needs of

1-16     innumerable Christians; and

1-17           WHEREAS, Due to the guidance and wise stewardship of its

1-18     pastors, and the outstanding leadership of its current pastor, the

1-19     church has continued to grow and has been an invaluable source of

1-20     strength to its members; and

1-21           WHEREAS, Members of the Immaculate Heart of Mary parish are

1-22     active in their community and dedicated to preserving their Moravian

1-23     and Czech culture and heritage; and

 2-1           WHEREAS, The celebration of its 50th anniversary is an

 2-2     expression of the church's enduring commitment to its holy mission

 2-3     and its dedication to tradition and unity among Christians; now,

 2-4     therefore, be it

 2-5           RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas,

 2-6     75th Legislature, hereby extend best wishes to the clergy and

 2-7     members of Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church on the jubilant

 2-8     occasion of its 50th anniversary; and, be it further

 2-9           RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared for the

2-10     church as a token of esteem from the Texas Senate.

2-11                                  ______________________________________

2-12                                          President of the Senate

2-13                                       I hereby certify that the above

2-14                                  Resolution was adopted by the Senate

2-15                                  on January 23, 1997.

2-16                                  ______________________________________

2-17                                          Secretary of the Senate

2-18                                  ______________________________________

2-19                                           Member, Texas Senate